The clients of this wine bar and cafe expressed a desire to accommodate a changing customer base over the course of a day: cafe-goers, lunchtime visitors, afternoon workers, happy hour drinks, and educational events, so GLD worked with them to provide multiple seating types and zones that could operate separately or together. It was important that both variety and cohesiveness be present.

A millwork “ribbon” unifies the long space from entry to back. Plywood ribs form a guardrail, lounge bench, service counter, standing/educational counter, food display, and finally wall cladding for the back of house. In some areas, the ribs are profiled to carve out shelving or knee space, while in other areas they are spaced to form bottle storage. Together they create a continuous surface. A glass-walled event space allows for private dining and educational events, while keeping the area open and accessible for casual seating during the day.

Taste shares a material palette with its sister business, Common Vines Wine, which also uses a unifying design element to pull together a variety of customers and uses.